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6 Phonebox Magazine | May 2025We%u2019re one of the country%u2019s greenest regionsMilton Keynes has had the biggest rise in recycling rates of any place in England, leapfrogging dozens of other areas to become one of the country%u2019s greenest recycling cities, according to latest Government fi gures.The city and its surrounding villages is now a top recycler, rising an incredible 76 places in the national rankings, from 83 to 7. And now Milton Keynes City Council is asking for local people%u2019s support to get to the number one spot next year by making sure that everything that can be recycled is recycled, and in the right bin.Official statistics show 60.2% of the city%u2019s household waste was sent for recycling, reuse or composting in 2023/24, up from 48.1% the previous year. The national average rate for recycling is 44%.The rise follows MKCC%u2019s introduction of cleaner and greener recycling and waste collections in September 2023 when, among other changes, residents started separating their paper and card from plastic, metal, and glass into two wheelie bins. The red and blue bins have made it easier for families to sort their recyclables, and by encouraging more people to start recycling, the city council has seen the amount of reusable waste it processes rise by more than a third.As the figures for 2024/25 will cover a full year of wheelie bin collections, the city should reach an even higher position in the chart next year. %u201cMore than 30 years ago, Milton Keynes became the first place in the UK to introduce kerbside recycling, and I%u2019m delighted that we%u2019re now one of the best recyclers in the country,%u201d said Cllr Jennifer Wilson-Marklew, Cabinet Member for Recycling and Waste. %u201cThis is a great result, as recycling saves energy, reduces waste and helps to tackle climate change. I%u2019m really proud we%u2019re making this progress so let%u2019s all keep up the good work and aim for the top spot next time.%u201dThe council sets out what can and can%u2019t be recycled and is asking all residents to refresh their recycling knowledge, as most people put at least one thing they shouldn%u2019t into their recycling. This is doubly bad as it can stop other items from being recycled, especially if it%u2019s wet or dirty.Although the city council uses waste that can%u2019t be recycled to generate electricity which powers many of its waste collection vehicles, the goal as a leading green and sustainable city is to recycle as many materials as possible.More details here: www.milton-keynes.gov.uk /recycling.